Happiness Is a State of Mind

by Gyalwang Drukpa

A Buddhist leader explains how to calm anxiety, let go of expectations, and explore the happiness that is already in our minds We are all chasing happiness. We spend our lives searching for that one thing we think will finally make us happy. But is happiness something deeper than that, more fundamental? How can universal happiness be achieved? In this book His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa reveals that the secret to happiness lies in the mind. Exploring the simple ways we can train our minds to recognize a happiness that is already there, he gives us the tools to embrace an appreciation for life as it is, rather than as we feel it should be, and helps us flourish as individuals, and as part of the wider world. With this guide you can choose to make today a happy one.

Genres: Spirituality, Self Help, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Buddhism

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2014

About the author

The Gyalwang Drukpa is the honorific title of the head of the Drukpa Lineage, one of the independent Sarma (new) schools of Vajrayana Buddhism. This lineage of reincarnated masters started from Tsangpa Gyare, the first Gyalwang Drukpa and founder of the school. The 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, Jigme Pema Wangchen, is the current lineage holder.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Sanjeev Kotnala · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was late at night on September 19, 2017, at some 30,000 feet in Indigo 6E 404, flight from Nagpur to Mumbai when I finished reading the book ‘Happiness is a State of Mind’ by His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa. I picked this book at Hemis monastery, on my trip to Leh last month.

We were hovering over Mumbai airport, and we were asked to go back to Nagpur. Mumbai airport was closed due to rains reducing visibility and a Spicejet flight skidding off the runway.

Next day, I was expected at MICA. I was to take a morning flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. Surprisingly, this entire disturbance of schedule, and uncertainty did not lead to any panic or stress on me. In fact, I acted as stress buster and guiding other passengers when we landed back at Nagpur. I was not worried. Where was food or when we get hotel accommodation? I was appreciating the effort of limited staff of Indigo at Nagpur, which was not prepared for such a situation. This I Believe Was The Impact Of The Book. I Recommend It To Everyone.

More of the review - http://sanjeevkotnala.com/happiness-a...

[Charlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Holiness, the Gyalwang Drukpa, is a hero of mine. This book is powerful and one to be read slowly, allowing space for each message.

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I read Happiness is a State of Mind again to remind myself to be friendly with my emotions as I experienced overwhelming thoughts and feelings. It had been years since my first read, and I remembered how his writing had helped me some years back when my emotions were vulnerable and overpowering my day-to-day mindfulness.

This second read was just as powerful as my first read and was a bright light for me as "the" 2020 year came to a close. We truly are all in the same boat.

From the chapter, Change Your Mental Habits...

If you are brave and look at yourself openly and honestly, willing to learn from your experiences, to change yourself, and develop your life for the better, then you will certainly feel vulnerable, and you might even be a little fearful of what you might see. But if you have the courage to look at your own perfections, quirks, and things you would like to improve, then you will also be understanding of the imperfections and vulnerabilities of others. Rather than being quick to judge or criticise, you will have more patience because you will know we are all in the same boat, doing our best to be happy. You will be more accepting of difference, which makes for a much easier, happier way of life.

[Pushkar Sohony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Year 2025 | Book 24/52
Book Review : Happiness is a State of Mind - Gyalwang Drukpa

Happiness is not something outside of us; it begins with how we define it for ourselves. Gyalwang Drukpa, in Happiness is a State of Mind, reminds us that true happiness comes when we peel away the layers of pride, self-criticism, expectations, hopes, and fears.
Here are some reflections from the book that stayed with me:

Define your happiness. Don’t wait for special occasions—see joy in everyday life.

Stay positive. Optimism reduces the fear of uncertainty.

Live your values. Intentions and values guide us better than fleeting desires.

Handle negativity. Patience, appreciation, and acceptance are powerful antidotes.

Be kind and honest. When we are kind to ourselves, we can extend the same to others.

Unite thoughts, words, and actions. The quality of our thoughts shapes everything else.

Remember choice. Happiness is a choice, though it requires effort. Gratitude strengthens it.

Contentment is not complacency. Accepting life fully doesn’t mean giving up growth.

Embrace impermanence. Accepting death helps us appreciate life.

Value yourself. Fight for your happiness, love yourself with all your imperfections.

Live in the moment. Every conversation, every day, is an opportunity to learn—not to win.

Transform within. The only way to change life is to change our own thoughts and actions.

Let others be. Practice acceptance of people as they are, while working on who you want to become.

In the end, happiness is not an achievement; it’s a practice. It’s in the choices we make, the gratitude we cultivate, and the acceptance we offer—to life, to others, and to ourselves.

#HappinessIsAStateOfMind #BookReflections #GyalwangDrukpa #MindfulLiving #ChooseHappiness

[Ubah Khasimuddin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books by Buddhist monks, they always center me and provide me with tools to be more at peace, to keep depression at bay and to be happy (in the present). This book came at a crucial time for me, as my son grapples with sadness - how can I use the lessons learned in this book to help him? To make me a better parent?
I liked how everything is broken down, almost in digestible pieces so I can take it in, learn and try to improve myself. I like how he even hypothetically answers the negative responses that one would give to his suggestions. Also, I enjoy when he would related the lessons to things in his life, to show that he is human as well. Like when he got mad at the nuns for taking too many baths and how to fix these so not to hold onto anger or be bothered by these things. Made him relatable and thus his lessons are "walking the walking."
I highly recommend to everyone, it is super easy to read, pick up and put down, even my 9-year old is reading bits of it.

[Brono · Rating 5 out of 5]

While travelling to Bhutan on a yoga retreat I had the privilege of hearing His Holiness Gyalwa Dokhampa son of the author of this book. The simplicity of his teachings on this book will certainly be passed on to generation to come. A pure and sincere reminder that happiness cannot be attained nor found anywhere because it is the core and essence of each and every single human on this planet.
No one could ever be responsible for that state but ourselves and through this magical reading one is reminded of the ways of cultivating the state of happiness.
I'm grateful for his teachings and I aim to help and shine some light to the hearts of any fellow human being I come across with for a state of mind can be cultivated every single day and I will honestly make that a day practice for you can truly experience happiness if you live it.

[Rebecca Rasouli · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful uplifting book. The way it has been written is so gentle yet so direct and clear. I really did feel inspired when I read this book. So far one of the best self care books iv ever read.

[Emma Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always gravitate towards this book when I’m going through a hard time, and each time it’s helped to me to feel more present, grateful and grounded. My book is filled with highlights and annotations, and each time I read it I learn something new about myself or find a new perspective.

[Trieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks

[Priyaranjan Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read Book.

[Miranda]

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” - His Holiness The Dalai Lama

[Camille Roux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book that should be read often in ones life

[Lim Jie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to change your perspective of life and gives you the opportunity to live life to the fullest :)

[Bhoomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect combination of spirituality, peace, motivation, meditation and many other aspects covered in this book will let you identify the real happiness in your daily life routine.

[Ebonyrosecooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read this over and over again.